Studies Support Bioavailability, Stress Support Claims of Zenroot Ashwagandha

OmniActive Health Technologies has published two peer-reviewed clinical studies in Advances in Therapy demonstrating the bioavailability and efficacy of Zenroot, an ashwagandha extract standardized to 1.5% withanolides. Both studies were conducted in adults between the ages of 18 and 55, at a daily dose of 125 mg.

The single-dose, crossover oral bioavailability study found that Zenroot had more than twice the absorption rate of a standard 600 mg reference product, and more than a 30% higher absorption rate than a 500 mg reference product. The Zenroot group had a higher plasma withanolides content at multiple time points compared to reference products. It was also well-tolerated under fasting conditions.

“To our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive bioavailability study of ashwagandha extract in human volunteers,” said Abhijeet Morde, divisional vice president of clinical research at OmniActive. “By measuring individual withanolides (withanoside IV, withanolide A, 12-deoxywithastramonolide, and withaferin A) per FDA guidance, we’ve set a new benchmark for ingredient transparency and performance, data that empowers brands to select clinically supported solutions aligned with consumer health goals.

A 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 90 adults with mild to moderate stress found that daily supplementation with Zenroot was linked to decreases in stress by day 30, per the Perceived Stress Scale and Mindfield eSense skin response evaluations; reduced feelings of occasional anxiety; fewer mood fluctuations in response to everyday stressors starting at day 56; and statistically significant improvements in sleep quality evaluations by day 28, compared to both baseline and placebo.

“The ashwagandha category is booming as consumers look for clean label, nonpharmacological solutions to support mood, sleep and stress management,” said Keya Shah, category manager at OmniActive. “Zenroot’s studies reinforce its ability to deliver a clinically validated, high-performance botanical ingredient that meets these demands in a crowded, fast-growing market. As we continue investing in new science, we see Zenroot as a cornerstone ingredient for formulators seeking to lead in the mental and overall wellness space. Just months after its launch, Zenroot has been well-received as a root-only ashwagandha, an important distinction for product quality, safety, efficacy, and regulatory compliance in certain regions.”